The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Romans 8:9,
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."
Here is the remarkable and mystical reality for those of us who have embraced Jesus Christ in faith: the Spirit of God lives in us! All believers! Paul tells us here that "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." All who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them.
Not only does Paul point out that the Holy Spirit lives within believers, they are controlled by him. Paul makes this clear by saying that those who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them, and since he does, they are no longer controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit.
I recognize this does not mean that we no longer make choices or that we are no longer capable of sin. Paul's own encouragement to us in Romans 12:1-2, to offer our "bodies as living sacrifices" and "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" makes clear we have choices to make. Even with the controlling Holy Spirit living within us, Paul tells us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21. From experience we believers know we are still capable of sin.
However, the Holy Spirit will have his way in our lives. What believer sins and does not feel the shame and contrition the Holy Spirit brings? How is it we find ourselves on our knees asking God for forgiveness, if the Holy Spirit is not at work within our lives? From where does that particular and overwhelming joy flow if not from the Holy Spirit that dwells within? Later in this chapter we read of the Holy Spirit leading us, Romans 8:14, manifesting we are God's own children and co-heirs with Jesus Christ! We read of the Holy Spirit helping us in our weakness when we pray, Romans 8:26-27, interceding for us.
As I say, the indwelling Holy Spirit is a remarkable and mystical thing!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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